Introduction
Permanent hoarseness is the first symptom of a malignant pathology such as laryngeal cancer, we all know that this dysphonia appears overnight and becomes permanent, so I always tell my patients that the alarm symptom in laryngeal pathologies is hoarseness, and that we must take it into account as a medical emergency.
In addition to this very important symptom, the following symptoms are also present:
- Cough
- Voice changes, such as hoarseness or not speaking clearly
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Earache
- A lump or sore that does not heal
- Sore throat
- Weight loss
We must also differentiate this laryngeal cancer from other cancers that form in the throat. Here is a description, with the permission of the author from the Mayo Clinic, of the types of throat cancer.
Types of throat cancer
Throat cancer is a general term for cancer that develops in the throat (pharyngeal cancer) or in the larynx (laryngeal cancer).
While most throat cancers involve the same types of cells, specific terms are used to differentiate the part of the throat where the cancer originated.
- Nasopharyngeal cancer begins in the nasopharynx - the part of the throat just behind the nose.
- Oropharyngeal cancer begins in the oropharynx - the part of the throat just behind the mouth that includes the tonsils.
- Hypopharyngeal cancer (laryngopharyngeal cancer) begins in the hypopharynx (laryngopharynx): the lower part of the throat above the oesophagus and trachea.
- Glottic cancer begins in the vocal cords.
- Supraglottic cancer begins in the upper part of the larynx and includes cancer that affects the epiglottis, which is the part of cartilage that prevents food from going into the windpipe.
- Subglottic cancer begins in the lower part of the larynx, below the vocal cords.
Causes
Throat cancer occurs when cells in the throat develop genetic mutations. These cause the cells to grow out of control and continue to live after healthy cells die normally. The accumulation of cells can form a tumour in the throat.
The exact cause of the mutation that causes throat cancer is not known. However, doctors have identified factors that may increase the risk of throat cancer.
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase the risk of throat cancer include the following:
- Tobacco use, which includes cigarettes and chewing tobacco
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Viral infections, including human papillomavirus and Epstein Barr virus
- Diet without fruit and vegetables
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace
What should I do if I suspect laryngeal cancer?
The patient is prepared from the surgical point of view, where he/she must undergo preoperative examinations, such as a chest X-ray, a preoperative profile, a preoperative cardiovascular evaluation and finally a pre-anaesthetic evaluation.
Subsequently, a surgery called direct micro laryngoscopy is performed, with exeresis of the laryngeal lesion suspected of laryngeal cancer. When the lesion is reached, a tissue sample is taken for a biopsy; if the biopsy is positive, the patient is referred to the medical oncology department, which is the specialist who will take the course of action depending on the degree of laryngeal cancer, such as only radiotherapy or chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
One of the techniques recommended by Dr. Bracho Dr. Jaime BrachoAfter taking the biopsy, a decortication of the entire cancerous cordal mucosa should be performed, thus helping to reduce the malignant cells in that area of the tumour.
Prevention
There is no proven way to prevent throat cancer. But you can take steps to reduce your risk of getting it:
- Quit smoking or never smoke. If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, don't start now. Quitting smoking can be very difficult, so get help. Your doctor can discuss the benefits and risks of various quitting strategies, such as medications, nicotine replacement products and counselling.
- If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, moderate drinking means one drink a day for women and up to two drinks a day for men.
- Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. The vitamins and antioxidants in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of throat cancer. Eat a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables.
- Protect yourself from HPV. Some throat cancers are thought to be caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a sexually transmitted infection. You can reduce your risk of HPV by limiting your number of sexual partners and using a condom every time you have sex. Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine, which can reduce the risk of throat cancer and other HPV-relatedcancers.